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Let's Move in Indian Country Toolkit & Resource Guide

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Toolkit and Resource Guide Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 1

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This toolkit was produced by the Let‟s Move! in Indian Country interagency workgroup led by the WhiteHouse, Domestic Policy Council, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, and incollaboration with the Office of the First Lady‟s Office and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.2 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Introduction to the Toolkit“Let‟s Move together! We believe everyone has the right to be healthy. We can‟t let this be the first generation in our history to grow up less healthy than their parents. Let‟s Move! isn‟t just noble; it‟s a necessity. It‟s not just a slogan; it‟s our responsibility. “Tt hig o gawul „i-ju: g t-duakag – Let‟s really change our way of living.” –The Tohono O‟odham NationChildhood obesity in America is a national health crisis. Over the past three decades,rates of childhood obesity in this country have tripled, and today nearly one in threechildren is overweight or obese. An equal proportion—one in three—of all children bornafter 2000 will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives, and this is at an all-timehigh.The problem is particularly challenging in Indian Country. Today, American Indian andAlaska Native children are twice as likely to be overweight than their white peers. Infact, these native children make up the only racial or ethnic groups whose obesity ratesincreased between 2003 and 2008.The threat to Indian Country is not just to health, however. Childhood obesity weakensthe fabric of Indian communities, putting the next generation at increased health riskand threatening tribal ways of life. Overweight children are overwhelmingly more likelyto be obese as adults, and obesity in adulthood robs the community of activecommunity elders. On average, obese adults live shorter lives and are less able tocontribute to leadership roles in their communities. Native communities depend on theiryounger generations to uphold tribal traditions and culture and to pass their heritage onto the next generation. However, today‘s native youth may not grow to be as old or asactive as their elders.Fortunately, tribes across the country are taking action to combat childhood obesitythrough a variety of innovative means. The Let‟s Move! in Indian Country initiative seeksto support and advance the work that Tribal leaders and community members arealready doing to improve the health of Indian children. As a part of First Lady MichelleObama‘s Let‟s Move! initiative, Let‟s Move! in Indian Country brings together federalagencies, communities, nonprofits, corporate partners, and tribes to end childhoodobesity in Indian Country within a generation.Having fit, energetic, and vibrant communities is the Indian Country way. Let‘s worktogether to ensure that the tradition continues for generations to come.How to Use This ToolkitThis toolkit can be used by individuals, schools, pre-schools, before and after schoolprograms, private organizations, tribal nations, community groups, committees,councils, fundraising coordinators, administrators and management, urban Indiancenters, tribal leaders, local elected officials or anyone interested in helping AmericanIndian/Alaska Native children combat obesity.4 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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This toolkit is organized into the four steps of Let‟s Move! in Indian Country, which are:STEP 1: Create a healthy start on life for childrenSTEP 2: Create healthier learning communitiesSTEP 3: Ensure families access to healthy, affordable, traditional foodSTEP 4: Increase opportunities for physical activityThe contents of each step are briefly outlined at the start of each section. From there,various programs and funding opportunities are explained in further detail, often withstep-by-step guides and checklists for accessing these resources. Many opportunitiesare straight forward and easy to implement, such as creating a community garden. Findthe resources that best fit your community‘s needs and can be accessed with youroperational capacity. A list of further resources is included in the Resource Guidesection, found in Appendix 1. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 5

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STEP 1. Create a healthy start on life6 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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How do we create a healthier start onlife for children? “Cherish youth, but trust old age.” – Pueblo sayingHealthy child development habits begin before birth. Oneproven strategy for reducing the risk of obesity early inlife is to support breastfeeding. Experts agree we need toincrease the number of health care facilities thatencourage mothers (1) to feed their babies breast milkonly for the first six months of life and (2) to start feedingsolid foods to their babies at six months while continuingto breastfeed until the 12th month.In addition to empowering mothers to breastfeed theirbabies, we need to offer healthful food choices to youngfamilies that they can afford. We also need to encouragephysical activity and healthy living at all ages. Breastfeeding Is Critical for Baby and Mom: Breastfeeding supports infant growth and development, and it protects both the infant‘s and mother‘s health. Many studies show that when babies are breastfed, they are more likely to be at a healthy weight as they grow up, compared to their peers who were fed formula as babies. Studies in American An infant‘s low or high birth Indian and Alaskan Native communities have found weight can raise the risk of that breastfed babies have a lower chance of obesity at a young age and developing type 2 diabetes as adults. Other studies later in life. What can show that mothers who breastfed are better protected future moms do to prevent from developing diabetes than those who did not this? breastfeed. Studies have found that breasted babies are less likely to develop ear infections in later life Reach a healthy than those not breastfed. Breastfed babies have weight before fewer emergency room trips, hospitalizations, clinic pregnancy. visits, and pharmacy needs. Breastfeeding reduces a Start pregnancy at a mother‘s risk for breast and ovarian cancer. After safe blood sugar birth, breastfeeding helps shrink the uterus and stop level. bleeding. An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for Quit smoking. American Indian and Alaska Native Families (PDF, Choose healthy 1.23 MB) from the Office on Women‘s Health is a foods. great resource for Native American parents. Support Baby-Friendly Hospitals: A baby-friendly hospital is one that supports breastfeeding and offers breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding their babies. The Baby- Friendly Hospital Initiative defines 10 steps to successful breastfeeding and Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 7

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describes what every maternal delivery facility and community can do to support women who breastfeed. Visit http://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/eng/. In Indian Country, the Phoenix Indian Medical Center and the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital are close to receiving baby-friendly designations. The Phoenix Indian Medical Center operates a 24-hour breastfeeding hotline at 1 (877) 868– 9473. PIMC‘s breastfeeding support program makes home visits for expecting mothers and after birth, and it loans electric breast pumps to mothers. Peer Groups Instruct Breastfeeding Moms: Breastfeeding peer support groups help The Ten Steps Hospitals Must Take mothers get helpful breastfeeding instruction to Be Baby Friendly and tips. The groups are led by breastfeeding experts, experienced moms, or grandmothers. 1. Have a written breastfeeding Breastfeeding peer counselors and lactation policy that is routinely communicated to all health care consultants can be helpful to peer groups: staff. o Breastfeeding Peer Counselors: A 2. Train all health care staff in skills breastfeeding peer counselor is an necessary to implement this policy. educator who has breastfed her own 3. Inform all pregnant women baby and teaches others about about the benefits and breastfeeding. To find a counselor, management of breastfeeding. check with your local Women, Infants, 4. Help mothers initiate and Children (WIC) program or consider breastfeeding within one hour of the list of nutrition coordinators and birth. 5. Show mothers how to breastfeeding coordinators posted by breastfeed and how to maintain the WIC at lactation, even if they are http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/c separated from their infants. oor.htm. 6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, o Lactation Consultants: A lactation unless medically necessary. consultant is a certified breastfeeding 7. Practice “rooming in”—allowing professional, who is usually a nurse, mothers and infants to remain doctor, or dietitian. One way to identify together 24 hours a day. a lactation consultant is to see if she 8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand. has the letters ―I.B.C.L.C.‖ after her 9. Give no pacifiers or artificial name, such as ―Mary Jones, R.N., nipples to breastfeeding infants. I.B.C.L.C.‖ To find a lactation 10. Foster the establishment of consultant, contact your local hospital or breastfeeding support groups birthing center, or call the International and refer mothers to them on Lactation Consultant Association at 1 discharge from the hospital or (888) 452–2478. clinic. Source: Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative of the United States8 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Communities Can Remove Barriers toBreastfeeding: Local and Tribal governmentscan enact and enforce laws that protectbreastfeeding in public and require workplacesto support breastfeeding mothers who return towork, such as the Navajo Nation Healthy StartAct of 2008. Child care centers can allow andencourage the use of mothers‘ breast milk.Workplaces That Support Breastfeeding MothersRetain Employees: Workplaces need a writtenlactation support policy and a dedicated ordesignated floating space (as small as four feetby five feet) for breastfeeding employees toexpress milk in privacy. Employers can findhelpful information in The Business Case forBreastfeeding from the National Women‘sHealth Information Center athttp://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/government-programs/business-case-for-breastfeeding/.Public Health Nurses Provide Home Health Careto Parents and Children: Many Indian HealthService hospitals and clinics have nurses whoregularly go out into the community to provideimmunizations, basic health screenings,breastfeeding support, and other services.Public health nurses provide these services inhomes, schools, and public places. To find apublic health nurse near you, go to the IndianHealth Service Web site at http://www.ihs.gov. The Navajo Nation CouncilCommunity Health Representatives: Community voted 64–0 to adopt thehealth representatives are local health Navajo Nation Healthy Startparaprofessionals who visit people‘s homes, Act of 2008, which, amongconduct health assessments, and sometimes other things, requirestransport patients to medical appointments. They employers to offer flexibleare health educators who advocate for the breaks for breastfeedinghealth needs of their people, including mothers, as well as a cleanbreastfeeding moms. To find a community health and enclosed private area forrepresentative near you, go to the IHS breastfeeding and pumpingCommunity Health Representative Web site at breast milk.http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/chr/.Families With Children Need Help SecuringAffordable, Healthful Food: The SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program (http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/) helps over 44 millionAmericans buy food. Also, the Healthy Food Financing Initiative(http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ocs_food.html), a new program started in2010, is working to increase healthful food outlets and choices in rural and low- Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 9

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income areas. The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/fdpir/) provides food to low-income households on or near reservations; Tribal officials can designate an Indian Tribal organization to operate the program. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program (http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/) provides food, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, mothers of toddlers, and their children. WIC focuses on good health care during critical times of growth and development. Note: Children from households that receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are ―categorically eligible‖ for free school breakfast and school lunch. Infants and Toddlers Can Begin Learning About According to the Business Physical Activity: Play that uses the big muscles, Case for Breastfeeding, in arms and legs gives infants and toddlers a mothers of breastfed infants healthy life start. Daily play helps infants and are 3x less likely to miss work toddlers to develop motor skills and because of their child being coordination—powerful skills for preventing sick. Companies with obesity, overweight, and diabetes. They also lactation support programs need healthful food in the right amounts to retain employees at nearly prevent overweight, obesity and diabetes. The 95%, much higher than the Indian Health Service runs Head Start and Early national average of 59%. Head Start programs (http://www.ihs.gov/HeadStart/) that provide information and resources about meal and snack planning, family physical activity, keeping teeth healthy, injury prevention, and more. The Indian Health Service‘s Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) supports more than 400 diverse programs throughout the country. For more information about SDPI, visit http://www.ihs.gov/MedicalPrograms/Diabetes/index.cfm?module=programsSDPI10 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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How do we create healthier learning communities?“Living a healthy lifestyle is something everyone can do. If we can get that across to our youth, I feel like we will really fight this battle right now.” –Sam Bradford, Cherokee Nation member and NFL QuarterbackTribal leaders can assist schools and afterschool programs in providing improvednutritional meals through some basic steps. The following programs can not onlyimprove student nutrition and overall school health, but they may save your schoolmoney over the long term. These programs are outlined on this page, and thenexplained in further detail in the following section. Team Nutrition: Becoming a Team Nutrition School helps focus the attention on the important role healthy meals and nutrition education plays in the school environment. Team Nutrition provides program materials to encourage students to make food and physical activity choices for a healthy lifestyle. HealthierUS Schools Challenge: The Challenge recognizes schools that take specific steps to promote a healthy school environment by serving healthy foods, and by providing nutrition education and physical education. National School Lunch Program: Encourage families to enroll their children in school meal programs. Schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and also offer an afterschool care program with regularly scheduled educational activities may also offer Afterschool Snacks. Parents may contact their local school and/or State agency to find out more information. School Breakfast Program: Encourage schools to promote and expand the School Breakfast Program as a way of supporting positive outcomes for children. Various strategies include: Breakfast in the Classroom, Breakfast after First Period, Grab ‗N‘ Go, and Breakfast Carts. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Assist your local school in applying for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables in selected low-income elementary schools nationwide. Child and Adult Care Food Program: Each day, 3.2 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The program also provides meals and snacks to more than 115,000 adults who receive care in nonresidential adult day care centers. Summer Food Service Program: Children that rely on free and reduced-price school meals during the school year, often go without nutritious food during the summer. You can help fill this nutrition gap by operating a Summer Food Service Program. Schools may also apply to operate the Seamless Summer Option through the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP). Lets Move Salad Bars to Schools: This is a comprehensive grassroots public health effort to mobilize and engage stakeholders at the local, state and national level to support salad bars in schools. Our vision is to significantly increase salad bars in schools across the country, with the goal to provide at least 6,000 salad bars to schools in the next three years.12 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Team NutritionTeam Nutrition is an initiative of the USDA Food andNutrition Service (FNS) to support the Child NutritionPrograms through training and technical assistance forfoodservice, nutrition education for children and theircaregivers, and school and community support forhealthy eating and physical activity.As a new Team Nutrition School, you will receive aresource kit (while supplies last) of materials to help youplan and carry out activities for your students and theirfamilies. Additional Team Nutrition materials can beordered at no charge online atwww.teamnutrition.usda.gov. You also have theopportunity to use the Team Nutrition Web Page whereyou can share your success stories and learn what otherTeam Nutrition Schools are doing. 1.) Eligibility The average child drinks at least 20 ounces of soda  Public and non-public Pre-K through High pop each day. Because schools in the United States that participate in each soda on average one of USDA‘s Child Nutrition Programs. contains one-third of a cup of sugar, this amounts to 2.) How to Apply and Get Started drinking 53 pounds of Print and complete the School Enrollment sugar in a year! Form, provided as a PDF file. Fax it to 703- 305-2549. Or mail it to: Team Nutrition 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 632 Alexandria, VA 22302 3.) Contact information: http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/team.html Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 13

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HealthierUS Schools Challenge (HUSSC)The HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) is a voluntary initiative established in 2004to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program thathave created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physicalactivity. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) identifies schools that have madechanges to (1) improve the quality of the foods served, (2) provide students withnutrition education, and (3) provide students with physical education and opportunitiesfor physical activity. Four levels of superior performance are awarded: Bronze, Silver,Gold, and Gold Award of Distinction. 1.) Eligibility  All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program may submit an application at any time during the school year for a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold Award of Distinction level award. To qualify for the awards, a school must submit a formal application and meet basic criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).  Please review our detailed charts of the criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge: http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/HealthierUS/HUSSCkit_pp13- 24.pdf 2.) How to Apply Submitting an application is easy with our downloadable and interactive application. Our new Application Kit guides schools through the application process and shares many great resources to help schools meet the Challenge criteria. If you have questions, you can always contact your State Child Nutrition Agency for more information.  Application Kit  Apply by US mail  Apply online 3.) Training and Technical Assistance  HUSSC Presentations and Materials  Menu Planning for Foodservice Professionals  Tips from Award Winners 4.) Contact information http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/HealthierUS/index.htmlAdditional Information:Schools receiving a HUSSC award will commit to meeting the criteria throughout their 4-year certification period and will be eligible for incentive awards of $2,000 for GoldAward of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.Schools will meet all the School Meals Initiative (SMI) requirements including energyand nutrient standards and age-appropriate portion sizes on an ongoing basis.14 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Schools will serve reimbursable meals that reflect good menu planning principles, suchas serving a variety of healthier foods that look good, taste good, and appeal to thecultural sensitivities of the school and community populations.Schools will plan meals that emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free orlow-fat milk and milk products; that include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, andnuts; and that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and addedsugars.Schools will offer foods that ensure that students can select a meal that meets all theHUSSC criteria. Such foods should be routinely selected by students, not just tokenfoods to meet HUSSC criteria. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 15

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National School Lunch Program (NSLP)The National School Lunch Program is a federallyassisted meal program operating in over 101,000 publicand non‐profit private schools and residential child careinstitutions. The program provides nutritionally balanced,low‐cost or free lunches to more than 32 million childreneach school day, 45,000 of them in our Bureau of IndianEducation schools. Schools participating in the NationalSchool Lunch Program may also provide Afterschoolsnacks to children through 18 years of age in afterschooleducational and enrichment programs. The Food andNutrition Service (FNS) administers the program at theFederal level. At the State level, the National SchoolLunch Program is usually administered by Stateeducation agencies, which operate the program throughagreements with school food authorities. 1.) Eligibility  National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Schools, public or nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under Public or nonprofit private residential While 90% of schools offer child care institutions students the opportunity to select a healthful meal,  Afterschool Snacks in the National School meals that meet all Lunch Program (NSLP) nutrition standards are In order for a site to participate, your school usually chosen in only 6% district must run the NSLP and sponsor or to 7% of schools. operate the afterschool care program. Additionally the school district must sponsor or operate an afterschool care program that provides children with regularly scheduled educational or enrichment activities in a supervised environment. Contact your State education agency for further information regarding program eligibility for Afterschool Snacks in the National School Lunch Program. 2.) Eligible Participants  Children from families with incomes at/below 130% of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals 130% of the poverty level is $28,665 for family of four (SY 10-11)  Children from families with incomes at 130% to 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals 185% of the poverty level is $40,793 for family of four (SY 10-11)  Afterschool snacks are provided to children on the same income eligibility basis as school meals. However, programs that operate in areas where at16 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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least 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced‐price meals serve all their snacks for free.3.) Reimbursement Most of the support USDA provides to schools in the National School Lunch Program comes in the form of a cash reimbursement for each meal served. The current (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011) basic cash reimbursement rates if school food authorities served less than 60% free and reduced price lunches during the second preceding school year are: Free lunches: $2.72 Reduced-price lunches: $2.32 Paid lunches: $0.26 Free snacks: $0.74 Reduced-price snacks: $0.37 Paid snacks: $0.06 Higher reimbursement rates are in effect for Alaska and Hawaii, and for schools with high percentages of low‐income students. For the latest reimbursement rates visit FNS website at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/notices/naps/NAPs.htm4.) Contact Information http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/ To participate, or to learn more, contact your State agency. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 17

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School Breakfast Program (SBP)The School Breakfast Program, similar in operation to the National School LunchProgram, is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit privateschools and residential child care institutions. In 2009, 11.1 million children participatedevery day in the School Breakfast Program and the number of children participatingincreases annually. The program is usually administered by State education agencies,which operate the program through agreements with local school food authorities inmore than 87,000 schools and institutions. 1.) Eligibility  Schools; public or nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under  Public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions 2.) Eligible Participants  Children from families with incomes at/below 130% of the Fed poverty level are eligible for free meals 130% of the poverty level is $28,665 for family of four (SY 10-11)  Children from families with incomes at 130% to 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals 185% of the poverty level is $40,793 for family of four (SY 10-11) 3.) Reimbursement Most of the support USDA provides to schools in the School Breakfast Program comes in the form of a cash reimbursement for each breakfast served. The current (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011) basic cash reimbursement rates for non‐severe need are: Free breakfasts: $1.48 Reduced-price breakfasts: $1.18 Paid breakfasts: $0.26 Schools may qualify for higher "severe need" reimbursements if 40% or more of their lunches are served free or at a reduced price in the second preceding year. Severe need payments are up to 28 cents higher than the normal reimbursements for free and reduced‐price breakfasts. About 74 percent of the breakfasts served in the School Breakfast Program receive severe need payments. Higher reimbursement rates are in effect for Alaska and Hawaii. 4.) Contact Information http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/breakfast/ To participate, or to learn more, contact your State agency.18 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is afederally assisted program providing free fresh fruits andvegetables to students in participating elementaryschools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP isto improve children‘s overall diet and create healthiereating habits to impact their present and future health. 1.) Eligibility  The 50 States, District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands all participate.  Public and private non-profit elementary schools participating in the NSLP with at least 50 percent of the student population eligible for free or reduced lunches.  State agencies must solicit applications from elementary schools representing the highest need within the State. Each school that participates in the FFVP must submit an application that includes, at a minimum: The total number of enrolled students and the percentage eligible for free/reduced price meals The USDA‘s Healthy A certification of support for participation Eating Index shows that in the FFVP signed by the school food children 2 to 17 years old service manager, school principal, and need to increase their district superintendent (or equivalent consumption of whole fruit, position) whole grains, and dark A program implementation plan that green and orange includes efforts to integrate the FFVP vegetables and beans with other efforts to promote sound because they are health and nutrition, reduce overweight consuming less than one- and obesity, or promote physical activity fifth of what they need from these food groups. 2.) Distribution Methods  In classrooms  In hallways  Nurse‘s and School‘s Offices  Kiosks  Free Vending Machines  As part of Nutrition Education Activities 3.) How to Apply Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 19

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Interested schools should contact their State agency for more information on their application process. We also encourage interested schools to review the FFVP Handbook for Schools. 4.) Reimbursement Schools participating in the FFVP submit monthly claims for reimbursement which are reviewed by the School Food Authority (SFA) before payment is processed by the State Agency (SA). With limitations, schools are reimbursed for the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables and limited non‐food costs. State agencies are provided funds for administration of the program according to federal requirements. 5.) Contact information http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/FFVP/FNSresources.htm To participate, or to learn more, contact your State agency.Additional Information:Elementary schools participating in the program receive between $50.00 ‐ $75.00 perstudent for the school year. With these funds, schools purchase additional fresh fruitsand vegetables to serve free to students during the school day. These must be servedoutside of the normal time frames for the National School Lunch (NSLP) and SchoolBreakfast Program (SBP). The State agency or SFAs determines the best method toobtain and serve the additional fresh produce.Schools are encouraged to develop partnerships to help implement the program, suchas with local universities, extension services and local grocers. Schools may purchasetheir fruits and vegetables through the same system they make purchases for the NSLPand SBP. They may acquire produce through the DOD Fresh program, or they maypurchase locally. In all cases, schools must follow proper procurement procedures andproduce must be purchased according to existing local, State and Federal guidelines.20 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) playsa vital role in improving the quality of day care andmaking it more affordable for many low-incomefamilies. Each day, more than 3.2 million childrenreceive nutritious meals and snacks through CACFP.The program also provides meals and snacks to over115,000 disabled or elderly adults who receive care innonresidential adult day care centers. CACFP reacheseven further to provide meals to children residing inemergency shelters, and meals and snacks to youthparticipating in eligible afterschool care programs. 1.) Eligibility  School  Child Care Center  Day Care Homes  Emergency shelters providing residential and food services to youth and children experiencing homelessness  At-risk afterschool care programs  Adult day care center 2.) Eligible Participants  Children and disabled or elderly adults from American Indian/Alaska families with incomes at/below 130% of the Native children are Fed poverty level are eligible for free meals particularly susceptible to  Children and adults from families with childhood obesity and incomes at 131% to 185% of the poverty level related diseases, such as are eligible for reduced-price meals type 2 diabetes. A study of  Persons age 12 and under four year-olds found that  Persons age 15 and under who are obesity is more than two children of migrant workers times more common  Persons of any age who have one or more among American disabilities, as determined by the State, and Indian/Alaska Native who are enrolled in an institution or child care children (31%) than among facility serving a majority of persons who are white (16%) or Asian age 18 and under (13%) children. This rate is  For emergency shelters, persons age 18 higher than any other and under racial or ethnic group  For at-risk afterschool care centers, studied. persons age 18 and under at the start of the school year  Children who are participants of Head Start or Even Start programs  Children whose families receive benefits from SNAP Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 21

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 Enrolled member in adult day care who is functionally impaired or 60 years of age or older 3.) Reimbursement in Day Care and Non-traditional Centers Independent centers and sponsoring organizations receive cash reimbursement for serving meals to enrolled participants. Meal patterns vary according to age and types of meal served. Centers and day care homes may be approved to claim up to two reimbursable meals (breakfast, lunch or supper) and one snack, or two snacks and one meal, to each eligible participant, each day. Emergency shelters may claim up to three reimbursable meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) to each eligible resident, each day. While most meals are served at no charge to the participant, centers are reimbursed at free, reduced- price and paid meal rates based on the household eligibility of each enrolled participant. At-risk afterschool care programs may claim reimbursement for serving up to one meal and one snack to each eligible participant, each day, and are reimbursed at the free rate for all meals served. The level of reimbursement for meals served to enrolled children in day care homes is determined by economic need, based on the location of the day care home, the household income of the day care home provider, or the household income of each enrolled child. Meals served to a day care home provider‘s own children are reimbursable only if those children are determined eligible for free and reduced price meals, are enrolled in the day care, and other enrolled children are present when meals are served. 4.) Contact Information http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/care/ To participate, or to learn more, contact your State agency.22 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacksto help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow,throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Open meal sites operatein low-income areas where at least half of the children come from families with incomesat or below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level, making them eligible for free andreduced-price school meals. Each site works with a SFSP sponsor that is financiallyand administratively responsible for the meal service at the site. It is important tospread the word about SFSP to increase awareness and development of the program.The more people know about the program, the more likely they are to take action tohelp end hunger in their own families and communities.Schools may also apply to operate the Seamless Summer Option through the NationalSchool Lunch (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP). 1.) Eligibility  Faith-based centers; Places of worship  Community Centers; Parks and Recreation Centers  Schools  Private non-profit community organizations 2.) Eligible Participants  Children 18 years of age or younger  Anyone over age 18 with mental or physical disabilities who are participating in school programs 3.) Reimbursement Reimbursements are based on the number of meals served multiplied by the combined operating and administrative rate for that meal. Payment rates are higher in Alaska and Hawaii to reflect the higher cost of providing meals in those States. Rural sponsors and those that prepare their own meals are also eligible for higher reimbursement rates. 4.) Contact information http://www.summerfood.usda.gov/ To participate, or to learn more, contact your State agency.Local governments, camps, schools, and private nonprofit organizations can sponsorthe SFSP. If your organization already provides services to the community, has capablestaff and good management practices to run a food program, you can sponsor theSFSP. As a sponsor, you will: attend the State agencys training; locate eligible sites;hire, train and supervise staff; arrange for meals to be prepared and delivered to thesites; monitor sites; and prepare claims for reimbursement.Locations that serve children but do not wish to sponsor the program may operate as ameal site under an existing sponsor. To learn more, explore a SFSP webinar online athttp://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer/webinar.htm. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 23

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Salad Bars to SchoolLets Move Salad Bars to Schools is a comprehensive grassroots public health effort tomobilize and engage stakeholders at the local, state and national level to support saladbars in schools. Their vision is to significantly increase salad bars in schools across thecountry, with the goal to provide at least 6,000 salad bars to schools in the next threeyears. Over 600 salad bars have already been placed in schools nationwide. 1.) Eligibility Any K-12 school district participating in the National School Lunch Program is eligible to apply. Districts applying for more than one salad bar will fill out one application stating how many bars they need. Schools currently awarded with Bronze status or above in the Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) automatically qualify for a salad bar donation, with the stipulation that the school or district desires and can support a salad bar every day in school lunch. 2.) Reimbursement The steps are: 1. Submit completed application 2. Application approved for funding 3. Salad bar webpage for your district/school goes live 4. The initiative and your community raise funds for your salad bars 5. Once funded, your salad bar is ordered for shipment 6. Your children eat more fruits and vegetables 3.) How to Start Interested schools can begin the process by completing an online application and creating their own individualized webpage at www.saladbars2schools.org. Schools can then encourage donations for their own school‘s salad bar, as well as receive donations from the general funds of the initiative. 4.) Contact information Email info@saladbars2schools.org or visit www.saladbars2schools.org.24 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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How do we ensure families access to healthy, affordable andtraditional food?Our ability to eat healthy is compromised when nutritious food is unavailable. Manyremote Native communities are considered to be food deserts, which in the 2008 FarmBill was defined as ―an area in the United States with limited access to affordable andnutritious foods, particularly in a low-income area.‖ This is counterintuitive since many ofthose communities‘ local economies are focused on production agriculture. It isnonetheless true. To increase the amount of nutritious food available in the community,Indian Country communities should support healthy food production and locally grownfood, including the traditional foods of the tribe.Ideas to support healthy and traditional foods Support Existing and Beginning Farmers: Healthy food does not make itself, but is produced by local farmers and ranchers. Many native communities support tribally owned agricultural enterprises or tribal producers because their success is ultimately valuable for the entire community. The United States Department of Agriculture has programs to help your community by providing assistance to these agriculture producers. Together the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant Program and the can assist by providing competitive grants to producers. This helps ensure that healthy food is not only available locally but also grown right in your community. Access Intertribal Technical Assistance Network: The Intertribal Agriculture Council‘s USDA Technical Assistance Centers were established in cooperation with the USDA Office of Tribal Relations, in order to increase access and use of USDA programs and services by Indian producers and tribes. Beginning in January of 2011, the Regional offices began providing outreach, technical assistance, and serve as a clearinghouse of information for all applicable USDA programs. By working to streamline existing programs, and assisting producers with the application process; their goal is to build a more functional relationship between the USDA and Indian Country; and play a role in the evolution of those programs over time. Capture and Utilize Traditional Knowledge: The history of agriculture in this country began well before its formation in places like the cornfields of the Southwest and the ricing lakes in the Upper Midwest. Many Tribal leaders are utilizing various programs to connect their communities to traditional knowledge of food and agriculture such as HHS‘ Social and Economic Development Strategies Program and IHS‘ Special Diabetes Program for Indians. One extremely important piece to this collective action is the gathering of Native seeds in Tribal seed banks which can be assisted through programs such as the CDC Native Diabetes Wellness Program‘s "Using Traditional Foods and Sustainable Ecological Approaches for Diabetes Prevention and Health Promotion in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities" grant programs. Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP): Determine if there is a local FRTEP agent available for support. FRTEP supports Extension agents who establish Extension education programs on the Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions of Federally-Recognized tribes. These agents help to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies; support increased26 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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economic opportunity and improved quality of life in rural America; enhanceprotection and safety of the Nation‘s agriculture and food supply; and protect andenhance the Nation‘s natural resource base and environment.Start a Farmer‟s Market: Coordinate local producers and utilize USDA programs tostart a market. The Farmer‘s Market Promotion Program can assist in thisdevelopment which can include the ability to accept SNAP benefits.School /Community Garden Development: School gardens are places that providethe chance for physical activity and educational opportunities. Many Tribalorganizations also connect this activity with the teaching of traditional culturalknowledge around food and agriculture. For garden advice from the USDA‘sPeople‘s Garden, please visit the People‘s Garden.Organize a Food Pantry: Partner with your local food bank to host a food pantry atyour organization or congregation with healthy options. Visit Feeding America to findthe food bank closest to you. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 27

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Incorporating Subsistence UseWhat is Subsistence?Subsistence, or as many describe it, Customary and Traditional Practices, also referred to asSubsistence Agriculture, has been defined as the customary and traditional uses by ruralpersons and/or families of wild renewable resources. It is the hunting, fishing, and gatheringactivities which traditionally constitutes the base of life for many tribes and tribal individuals.Subsistence continues to flourish as a way of life for many indigenous people predominately soin the state of Alaska. Subsistence foods carry a great nutritional value and the act of obtainingalso provides excellent physical activity for tribal members. Subsistence use facilitates as aconnection to the traditions of the culture, provides physical activity, and promotes healthiereating.OpportunityThere are many programs throughout USDA of which subsistence foods may be incorporated,conserved and/or distributed. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Assist your local school in applying for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables in selected low-income elementary schools nationwide. Vegetables and Fruit are found growing wild throughout the US. Subsistence Fruit and Vegetables may be substituted for store bought produce for purposes of this program. An example might be the selling of berries to a local school which accesses this program. Child and Adult Care Food Program: Each day, 3.2 million children receive nutritious meals and snacks through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The program can also provide meals and snacks to 112,000 adults who receive care in nonresidential adult day care centers. An example might be the provision of salmon into a Boys and Girls Club receiving the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program. Community Food Projects: Designed to increase food security in communities by bringing the whole food system together to assess strengths, establish linkages, and create systems that improve the self-reliance of community members over their food needs. An example might be an elder teaching the subsistence fishing practices to a youth in order to provide food for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): These contracts provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns and for opportunities to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. Reducing the brush within forested areas to allow berry numbers to increase is an example of how this might be used. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP): Designed for private and Tribal land to develop or improve high quality habitat that supports fish and wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Provides technical and financial assistance to landowners and others to develop upland, wetland, aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat on their property. Strengthening stream beds to allow for less oxidization of water creating an improved environment for fish breeding is one example of how this program might be utilized.28 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers andRanchers Competitive Grant Program (OASDFR)The OASDFR seeks applications from eligible organizations able to provide outreachand technical assistance to socially disadvantage farmers, ranchers and forestlandowners (SDFRFL) within a defined geographic area in a linguistically appropriatemanner. 1.) Eligibility  A community-based organization, network, or coalition of community- based organizations that: Has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally related services, including technical assistance, to SDFRFL during the three-year period preceding the submission of the application; Has provided to the Secretary documentary evidence of work with, and on behalf of (i.e., advocacy group) socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners during the three-year period preceding the submission of an application for assistance under this program (documentary evidence shall include a narrative with specific information regarding: the scope of past projects;); and Does not engage in activities prohibited under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  An institution of higher education that is accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a ―reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education‖ within the scope of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended. An institution on probation at the time of application is ineligible. Applications may be submitted by any of the following: A 1994 institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note)); An Indian Tribal Community College or an Alaska Native Cooperative College; An 1890 institution (as defined in the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)); A Hispanic-serving educational institution (as defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and Any other institution of higher education (as defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that has demonstrated experience in providing agriculture education or other agriculturally related to SDFRFL.  An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)) or a national tribal organization that has demonstrated experience in providing Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 29

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agriculture education or other agriculturally related services to socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in a region. 2.) Purpose Proposed activities must assist socially disadvantage farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in TWO or MORE of the priority areas: Assist SDFRFL in owning and operating farms, ranches and forest land areas; Assist SDFRFL in participating equitably in the full range of USDA programs; Assist current and prospective SDFRFL in a linguistically appropriate manner; Provide Outreach and education to SDFRFL on the USDA class action and claims processes; and Provide other innovative agricultural related outreach and technical assistance and education to SDFRFL. 3.) Maximum Grant and Term  No more than $1,200,000 per grant with annual budget not exceeding $400,000 per year; AND  Proposed project period not exceeding three years. 4.) Cost-share  No Cost-share required. 5.) Contact Information for yearly Request for Applications (RFA) Email: oasdfr@osec.usda.gov Phone: 202-720-6350, Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ET.Purpose and PrioritiesThe primary purpose of OASDFR is to deliver outreach and technical assistance toassure opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to successfullyacquire, own, operate, and retain farms and ranches, and to assure equitableparticipation in the full range of USDA programs. Applications must containdocumentation of the socially disadvantaged group that is being targeted for assistanceand justification as to why the targeted group is appropriate for assistance under thisprogram.30 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Beginning Farmer and Rancher DevelopmentGrant Program (BFRDGP) 1) Eligibility  State, tribal, local, or regionally-based network or partnership of public or private entities, which may include: a state cooperative extension service; a Federal, State or tribal agency; a community-based and nongovernmental organization; college or university (including an institution awarding an associate‘s degree) or foundation maintained by a college or university; or any other appropriate partner, as determined by the Secretary. 2) Purpose  A competitive grant that funds education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives directed at helping farmers and ranchers of all types. According to the National Agricultural Statistics 3) Maximum Grant and Term Service (NASS), from  Funds projects limited to 3 years. Budget 2002-2007, there was an requests must not exceed $250,000 per increase from 40,000- year. 80,000 acres of land placed in trusts. 4) Cost-Share  NIFA, pursuant to the authorizing legislation for the BFRDP, requires that in order to receive an award under this program, the recipient must provide a match in the form of cash or in- kind contributions in an amount at least equal to 25 percent of the funds provided by the award. The matching funds must be from non-Federal sources except when authorized by statute. An award will not be issued unless all matching funds over the life of the grant are secured with letters of commitment. For third party cash or in-kind support, letters of commitment must state the exact amount of the marching funds or value of the in-kind support that will be contributed. There can be no stipulations on the matching amount. 5) Contact Information for Yearly Request for Applications (RFA) The RFA will be posted on-line at http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm. All applications for funding must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov. This process requires pre-registration and can take up to one month. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 31

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Community Food Project Grant Program Community Food Projects are intended to bring together stakeholders from the distinctparts of the food system and to foster understanding of national food security trends andhow they might improve local food systems. 1.) Eligibility  Private, nonprofit entity (Must also meet three following criteria) That have experience in the area of community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-size farms, including the provision of sustainably produced food to people in low-income communities and the development of new markets in low-income communities for agricultural producers; or job training and business development activities for food-related activities in low-income communities; Demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation; and Demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, evaluators, practitioners, and other interested parties, including a plan for dissemination of results. 2.) Partners and Collaborators  Represent broad community support through partnerships 3.) Cost-share  Successful CFP applicants and PP award applicants MUST provide matching on a dollar-for-dollar basis for all federal funds awarded.  Cash; and/or  In-kind Contributions, including third-party in-kind contributions fairly evaluated, including facilities and volunteer hours. 4.) Project Type  Community Food Project Award: Community Food Projects are intended to take a comprehensive approach to developing long-term solutions that ensure food security in communities by linking the food production and processing sectors to community development, economic opportunity, and environmental enhancement. No single grant for a CFP shall exceed $125,000 in any single year or more than $300,000 over three (3) years.  Planning Project Award: PPs are intended to take a comprehensive approach to planning for long-term solutions that ensure food security in communities by linking the food production and processing sectors to community development, economic opportunity, and environmental enhancement. No single PP award shall exceed $25,000 for the total budget period. 5.) Contact Information for yearly Request for Application (RFA)32 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Website: http://www.NIFA.usda.gov/funding/cfp/ Email: electronic@NIFA.usda.gov Phone: 202-401-5048, Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ET, excluding Federal holidays.Purpose and PrioritiesThe primary goals of the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program(CFPCGP) are to: Meet the food needs of low-income individuals; Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; Promote comprehensive responses to local food, farm, and nutrition issues; and Meet specific State, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs including needs relating to: Infrastructure improvement and development; Planning for long-term solutions; or The creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers.Community Food Projects are intended to bring together stakeholders from the distinctparts of the food system and to foster understanding of national food security trends andhow they might improve local food systems. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 33

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Federally Recognized Tribal Extension ProgramThe Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) supports extensionagents on American Indian reservations and tribal jurisdictions to address the uniqueneeds and problems of American Indian tribal nations. 1.) Eligibility  1890 and 1862 land grant institutions 2.) Purpose  Emphasis is placed on assisting American Indians in the development of profitable farming and ranching techniques, providing 4-H and youth development experiences for tribal youth, and providing education and outreach on tribally-identified priorities (e.g., family resource management and nutrition) using a culturally sensitive approach. 3.) Partners and Collaborators  FRTEP agents provide the link between new agriculture technologies and the application of these technologies by farmers and ranchers, serves as a liaison with other USDA programs, provides training in farm and ranch business management, supervises 4-H and youth development activities, and coordinates special training programs. 4.) Contact Information for yearly Request for Application (RFA)  The application package must be obtained via Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov, click on ―Apply for Grants‖ in the left-hand column, click on ―Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Instructions,‖ enter the funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-SLBCD-003402 in the appropriate box and click ―Download Package.‖ From the search results, click ―Download‖ to access the application package.34 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Farmer’s Market Promotion ProgramFMPP is designed to assist successful applicants inpromoting domestic consumption of agriculturalcommodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumermarketing opportunities. This program provides non-construction grants that target improvements andexpansion of domestic farmers‘ markets, roadsidestands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumermarket opportunities. 1.) Eligibility  Agricultural Cooperative  Producer Network/Association  Local or Tribal Government  Nonprofit Corporation  Public Benefit Corporation  Economic Development Corporation  Regional Farmer‘s Market Authority * Individuals are not eligible to apply. 2.) Eligible Purposes This spring, Sam Bradford,  Advertising & market promotion quarterback for the St.  Bringing local farm products into federal Louis Rams, Heisman nutrition programs trophy winner and a  Consumer education and outreach member of the Cherokee  Equipment purchase, transportation & Nation, played football with delivery American Indian children  Agri-tourism from the greater  Waste management & green technologies Washington, DC area in a  Training farmers in business planning, Let‟s Move! in Indian record keeping and rules & regulations Country event on the  Market start-up, expansion & strategic National Mall. Sam also planning participated in the planting of a First People‘s 3.) Maximum Grant community garden at the USDA headquarters with No more than $100,000 per grant with a Secretary of Agriculture minimum of $2,500 Tom Vilsack and 40 students from Tuba City 4.) Contact information for yearly Request for Boarding school. Applications (RFA) Website: www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP Phone: 202-694-4000, Business hours are M-F, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm ET, excluding Federal holidays. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 35

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Start a School or Community Garden 1.) Community Involvement It is important to determine the community group that will operate the garden. Gather various stakeholders to determine interest within the community. This could be community based organizations, schools or others. A community garden is an effective way of bringing various groups together in a unified interest. 2.) Identify potential garden sites Work with the school and local landowners to determine a site that gets at least six hours of sun a day, is located near a water source and has good drainage. Once you find potential sites, coordinate with your local Tribal leaders to determine the ownership of the land. You can also coordinate with your local Extension Service to test the soil. 3.) Determine After finding the site, contact the land owner or government agency to: request permission to use the site; sign a lease that includes the terms of agreement for use of the site; include a ―hold harmless‖ waiver so that the land owner will not have to worry about injuries incurred at the site; and obtain a multi-year lease to ensure the continuation of your garden to future seasons. Each gardener should sign a gardener‘s agreement that includes a hold harmless waiver and commits to upkeep of the plot and the garden throughout the year. Landowners can also obtain liability insurance as added protection. 4.) Design the garden When designing a garden, consider: The boundary of the lot The location and size of garden beds Any trees, shrubs or existing vegetation that will be kept Driveways, pathways and open spaces Compost bins A shed The location of the water source Common or shared garden areas such as perennial or herb beds, a row planted for donation purposes, a picnic table with chairs, or grassy areas Garden sign Garden name 5.) Get the Resources!36 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Determine what tools and seedlings you will need. Partner with yourschool or tribe to determine what resources can be provided. If you needfurther resources, take a look at the programs in Step 3 and the AdditionalResources at the back. You should also look toward your to the ExtensionService in your State that supports youth education efforts or with aMaster Gardening local organization. They have resources regardinggarden best practices in your area.The USDA‘s National Agricultural Library offers further resources onstarting a community garden. Please visit the Library at http://afsic.nal.usda.gov. Check out the ―Urban Agriculture and CommunityGardening‖ section under the ―Farms and Community‖ tab for communitygarden resources. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 37

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Develop a Food Policy Council / CommitteeWhat is a Food Policy Council?Food Policy Council‘s (FPC‘s) convene elected officials and various stakeholders for thepurpose of providing a comprehensive examination of a local food system. A foodsystem includes everything involved in providing food for a certain group of people,which includes both agriculture and consumption functions. A range of communityleaders can be used to analyze how food is grown or brought into their local community.The primary goal is to examine the operation of a local food system and provide ideasand recommendations for improvement through public policy changes. A food policy isany decision made by a government agency, business, or organization which effectshow food is produced, processed, distributed, purchased and protected. Not only canthese groups analyze the existing local food system, but this can also be used as a toolby the community to reconnect with traditional practices and foods, and take an activerole in shaping their tribe‘s relationship to food and agriculture. A FPC can help tobroaden a local level discussion to issues beyond agricultural production into a morecomprehensive review of why food is in the community and if that food reflects the goalsof the local people.OpportunityFPC creation is an opportunity to develop an entity that reports to Tribal leaders andprovides information and recommendations designed to improve the tribe‘s food systembased on local needs, tradition and culture. The FPC can assist in developing acomprehensive food policy – to project the social and economic goals of the tribe, e.g.traditional food production and consumption, diversified agricultural production, andexpanded rural economic development. The Council can also help identify how to bestutilize federal resources and programs, such as economic development and foodassistance to accomplish these goals.PurposeThe purpose is to engage a group of citizens and elected officials from across the tribe‘sfood system – in a focused discussion of the tribe‘s food policy and how it can beimproved. The goal is to identify ―policy‖ actions that can be achieved. Tribalgovernments can affect change in opportunities in a food system – such as institutionalpurchasing of local food and local farm-to-school marketing – or barriers to removewithin the food system – e.g,, simplify rules for food assistance or for creating a newfood-based business.Food Policy Councils have the ability to positively impact many parts of a food system.By empowering a citizen group to make a comprehensive examination of a food system,the tribe can obtain an independent and objective set of recommendations and ideas for"improving" how the tribe does business.Food Policy Councils can play the role of a "neutral" non-partisan forum to convenemultiple stakeholders in a food system. For this reason, many FPCs become the local"food system specialists" and become a valuable resource for developing andimplementing risk management activities designed to serve the needs of traditionallyunder-served farmers and producers. Councils can also create a forum in which people38 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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involved in all different parts of the food system and government can meet to learn moreabout what each does – and to consider how their individual actions impact other partsof the food system. Experience shows that outside an FPC convening, these officialshave little incentive or opportunity to talk with others in government to coordinatedelivery of related programs. Example 1: Muscogee Creek Nation - Tribal Food & Fitness Policy Council Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative works to enable the Mvskoke people and their neighbors to provide for their food and health needs now and in the future through sustainable agriculture, economic development, community involvement, cultural and educational programs. MFSI has received a grant award from USDA Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service Agency to carry out a program entitled Community Outreach for Producer‘s Empowerment Project. Over the next three years the mobile unit will visit communities across five counties within the Muscogee Creek Nation. The goal is to assist farmers and ranchers, and those interested, in pursuing loans, grants, cost shares and incentive programs available through federal, state and regional sources. MFSI is developing a Farmers & Ranchers Resource Manual that will be distributed free of charge to these communities. MFSI is working with two communities to create models of food sovereignty. Both of these communities are working to produce food in community gardens, create value-added products, initiate Market Basket programs and provide fresh produce to their community members and neighbors. Supported by USDA Community State Research Education and Extension Service Agency. MFSI has established a seed bank to preserve and restore endangered seeds that are culturally linked to Native gardens. Through this project, MFSI is successfully restoring the Mvskoke favorite corn known as Sofkee corn that had almost gone extinct. MFSI partnered with the Okmulgee Main Street Association to establish the first local Farmers‘ Market since the 1930‘s providing fresh, affordable, locally produced fruits and vegetables to the community and several surrounding communities. The Mvskoke Food Sovereignty Initiative (MFSI) ―Meals and More‖ program offers educational dining experiences featuring the foods of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Traditional Mvskoke dishes are always featured and the meals are intended to be more than just a dining experience. They is an opportunity to learn about American Indian and Alaska Native food heritage and how these foods are beneficial to the health and well being of all people. Each meal is prepared utilizing seasonal, fresh and (as much as possible) organic, locally grown produce and meats. MFSI staff will make a presentation at each meal describing the preparation methods so that these meals can be duplicated at home or for group occasions. Educational materials including historical background of the foods, recipes and nutrition information for all menu items are provided for each meal. Guests are welcome to come early and assist in preparation to learn preparation techniques. MFSI will come to the location of the meal and prepare, serve and clean up the facility. The cooks are volunteers, but the teachers are compensated for their time. We have learned how to prepare a large variety of dishes ranging from simple snacks to full meals. We have served groups as large as 400 and as small as 10. We will meet with the organizers of an event and create a custom menu for each meal. The price that we quote for the meal will include al educational activities and printed materials. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 39

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MembershipMembership on a Council is frequently determined by the officials responsible forforming it. For this reason, most FPCs are considered to be a "non-partisan" forum anddo not convene with a political agenda. Typical representatives might include farmers,consumers, anti-hunger advocates, cultural leaders, food bank managers, laborrepresentatives, members of the faith community, food processors, food wholesalersand distributors, food retailers and grocers, chefs and restaurant owners, officials fromfarm organizations, community gardeners, and academics involved in food policy andthe law. Council members can be appointed in a variety of ways depending on theTribal organization administering the Council. Members could be appointed by the Tribalelected leaders or this could be delegated to an organization internal or external to theTribal government. The key is to include a broad base of food system stakeholders.Many FPCs have governmental officials involved as special advisors or "Ex-Officio"non-voting members which represent departments of land or agriculture, economicdevelopment, inspections, education, human services, public health, cultural affairs, anddepartments of transportation. Tribal elected officials may also be involved, howeverwould not typically be appointed as a voting member. Some FPCs have youthparticipating on the Council which then serve as liaisons back into their school system;providing food system education for their peers.StructureFood Policy Councils are not a "one-size-fits-all" process. A Councils structure andstakeholder representation should reflect the political culture and climate of a givenlocale. Councils need to reflect and focus upon the needs of the communities in whichthey are formed.FPC‘s are generally formed through an official government action. Councils that arecreated in this way frequently have a greater buy-in or support of government officialswhich is critical for implementing public policy changes. The elected body can choose toadminister this as an official part of the Tribal government or can be administeredthrough another institution as an advisory body.Sample Action ItemsThe primary outcome of Food Policy Council activities should be a change in foodand/or agriculture policy. Examples of public policy changes catalyzed through FPCscould include: Review and recommendations for local Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); Support of local Tribal producers for the production of traditional foods; Development of a farmer‘s market; Change in the motor vehicle requirement for food stamp eligibility; Implementation of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) equipment at farmers markets; "Agricultural Inventory" of Tribal property directing appropriate stakeholders to identify Tribally-owned land; which may be available for community gardens or other agricultural uses;40 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Procurement rule change allowing schools to purchase locally grown food; Implementation of "Farm to School" and "Farm to Cafeteria" programs.CostThe financial resources to create and operatea Council are minimal. Most FPC‘s getfinancial support for administrative,programmatic, and staffing costs throughpublic and private grants. One of the aspectsthat make many Food Policy Councilsattractive is the fact that they do not requirecreating a budgetary line item to start,maintain and staff a Council. It has not beentypical for a local or state government toallocate funds to support and staff a FoodPolicy Council.The largest cost implementing an FPC comesfrom the hundreds of hours of volunteer timeprovided by Council members. Most Councilsmeet six times a year, not including anycommittee or task-force meetings. As theseare service positions, some Council membertime, particularly for government agencyrepresentatives, counts toward regular officehours.Sample Checklist of Create a Food Policy Council  Research your local food system and determine key stakeholders  Conduct a food system assessment where you analyze the entire local food system that includes production through consumption  Analyze assessment in conjunction with goals from stakeholders  Tribal government resolution or action to officially create FPC  Tribal government develops appropriate structure that is representative of local community (FPC as part of government or as a separate advisory group)  FPC convenes to work on improving food system in ways that align with identified goals  FPC can identify public/private resources that assist in initial creation or in reaching specific food system goals Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 41

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How do we increase opportunities for physical activity?“Running is a gift. It is part of our Tribe‟s history and traditions. Its been shared with me and it is my hope that others will find something in running the way I have. A-ske-na-wa (Young Man) A-ne-mi-ba-o-a (He Who Runs)‖ --Dirk Whitebreast, Sac & Fox Tribe in Iowa, Tribal Council SecretaryChildren need at least sixty minutes of physical activity every day. Regular participationin traditional games and dances can deepen children‘s appreciation for their culturewhile building strong bodies. Safe routes to walk and ride their bikes to school, andincreased access to parks, playgrounds and community centers can provide necessaryinfrastructure for kids to get active. Physical education classes, sports leagues, anddance and fitness programs that are exciting and challenging can engage children andencourage them to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Tribal leaders,schools, Urban Indian Centers, and other organizations can take steps to increaseopportunities for kids to be physically active – in school and in their communities – andcreate opportunities for families to engage in physical activity together and create habitsthat will last a lifetime. Programs that support increased activity: Presidential Active Lifestyle Award: Challenge yourself and encourage other schools, groups and organizations to participate in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award program. Sign up for the LMIC group to receive updates on your progress and get creative ideas on how to stay active throughout the six-week challenge. Safe Routes to School: This program enables communities to improve safety and encourage more children to safely walk and bicycle to school. You can work with your state to access various Department of Transportation funds that encourage safe a physically active ways for students to get to schools. Carol M. White Physical Education Program: This program can be used to provide equipment and support to enable students to participate actively in physical education activities. Indian Community Development Block Grants: These grants may be issued by Tribal governments for the purposes of, among other things, building community facilities such as a recreation complex or public gymnasium. Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools: The DETS project is part of a national effort to decrease the incidence and improve the care of type-2 diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives, and features a multidisciplinary K-12 curriculum. GoGirlGo!: This curriculum from the Women‘s Sports Foundation (WSF) combines physical activity with education to focus on reducing and preventing health-risk behaviors. 21st Century Learning Communities: This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low- performing schools. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 43

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Presidential Active Lifestyle AwardThe Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) is part ofthe President‘s Challenge Program, an initiativededicated to getting people fit and active. Through PALA,young people and adults record their physical activityeach day, with the goal of being active 60 minutes a day(or 30 minutes a day for adults), at least 5 days a week. 1.) Eligibility Anyone aged 6 and older is welcome to participate in this free program. Groups may include schools, classrooms, faith-based organizations, and after-school programs—or sign up on your own. 2.) How to Start  Register for PALA online at Success Story www.presidentschallenge.org/lmic.  Identify the time frame for the Challenge Over 170 students and (an 8 week window with at least 1-2 weeks to teachers from the publicize the initiative in advance of the start Nenahnezad Community date). School in New Mexico  Message the program requirements: be completed the 8-week active at least 30 minutes a day for adults 18 PALA challenge and had years and older, 60 minutes a day for youth 6- noticeable results. 17 at least 5 days a week for 6 out of 8 weeks. ―Students that are at  Determine whether your participants will considerate ‗weight risk‘ use the online physical activity tracking tool or have lost weight and were a paper log. Group Administrators are thrilled to report that their responsible for collecting completed paper pants were getting too logs, verifying completion, reporting the total big,‖ reports the number of achievers by visiting coordinator for the school. www.millionpapachallenge.org, and distributing ―Students reported that the recognition certificate to awardees. their families were  Host a kick-off event to get participants spending more time going excited or a recognition event to recognize to the park, hiking, special achievers (optional). swimming, participating in community race meets, 3.) Contact Information and taking time for more family outings.‖ For more information, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.44 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country

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Safe Routes to School Success StoriesThe Safe Routes to School program is a Federal-Aid Montana: The City ofprogram of the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Ronan received funding toFederal Highway Administration (FHWA). The program construct paths and toprovides funds to the states to substantially improve provide pedestrian safetythe ability of primary and middle school students to education to students onwalk and bicycle to school safely through both the Flathead Reservation.infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure relating The City of Arlee receivedactivities (such as education, enforcement, and funding for an elementaryencouragement programs). Each state administers its traffic education programown program and develops its own procedures to to build a pathway.solicit and select projects for funding, though all ofthese state programs follow similar criteria. Wisconsin: The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe and 1.) Eligibility School developed a  Schools, local educational agencies comprehensive SRTS plan (LEAs), community-based organizations and was awarded funding (CBO), and nonprofit organizations for a multi-use trail and  Though the program does not specifically non-infrastructure target tribes, many tribes are participating in activities. The Oneida the program. Small and rural communities Nation received funding for are especially encouraged to apply. a multi-use path.  Projects must be within 2 miles of the South Dakota: Enemy school. Swim Day School, the school of the Sisseton- 2.) Reimbursement to Tribes Wahpeton Oyate people, Currently 14 tribes are receiving funding built a trail to help its through state SRTS programs, and there are students safely travel to many success stories. and from school. In Oregon, the Ferndale School Nebraska: The Santee District received $151,000 for a Sioux Nation Indian project which included signage, a Reservation built a path for traffic signal, pedestrian, bike, and children to use on their share-the-road safety education, walk to and from school. bicycle rodeos, walking school buses, The path increased and a walk and bike to school day. pedestrian visibility and In Wisconsin, the Lac Courte Oreille connected a residential application was awarded $270,000 to area to a local school. build a sidewalk and implement a program encouraging walking and biking. The tribe partnered with AmeriCorps to leverage additional manpower and with the local county. Let‟s Move! in Indian Country | 45

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3.) How to Start  Visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School at www.saferoutesinfo.org. The website features a guide for applicants, state contacts, and examples of successful programs funded through SRTS. Think about what key elements of other projects apply to your community and what might need to be changed. Be sure that your project addresses the underlying goal of the program—to encourage students to walk and bike to school.  Identify stakeholders in your community—students, parents, teachers, school administrators, town planners, and local law enforcement—and bring them together to determine what needs to be done.  Formulate a plan, including encouragement, enforcement, education, and engineering strategies. Projects that just include infrastructure projects are not likely to be funded, so ensure your application includes aspects such as outreach and awareness campaigns. Work in coordination with your state SRTS contact to see that your plan follows the state‘s funding guidelines.  The open period for applications is usually between 30 and 90 days, so be sure to know when your state‘s application is due and plan well in advance. 4.) Contact Information To find the SRTS contact for your State, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/contacts/index.cfm46 | Let‟s Move! in Indian Country